Oregon an Obvious No. 1, Big 12 Disrespect, and SEC Intrigue in the First CFP Rankings

Summary

Podcast Summary: The McShay Show – "Oregon an Obvious No. 1, Big 12 Disrespect, and SEC Intrigue in the First CFP Rankings"

Release Date: November 6, 2024
Host: Todd McShay
Guest: Pete Thamel
Podcast: The McShay Show by The Ringer

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1. Introduction

In this episode of The McShay Show, Todd McShay and Pete Thamel delve into the inaugural College Football Playoff (CFP) rankings, discussing the implications of Oregon securing the No. 1 spot, the perceived disrespect towards Big 12 teams, and the intricate dynamics within the SEC. The conversation is rich with analysis, predictions, and insider insights that cater to both college football enthusiasts and those interested in the evolving playoff landscape.

---

2. CFP Rankings Overview

Todd McShay kicks off the discussion by expressing his excitement about the CFP rankings feeling "tangible" for the first time, comparing it to witnessing a draft unfold. He remarks,

"It finally feels like it's tangible. Right." ([02:02])

Pete Thamel echoes this sentiment, highlighting the historical significance of the playoff bracket being announced:

"It's so cool just to see the playoff bracket the first time ever." ([02:18])

The hosts emphasize the importance of the rankings, with Todd asserting:

"This is the one that matters. This is the one that matters." ([06:52])

---

3. Team Analyses

Oregon as No. 1

Oregon's ascendancy to the top of the CFP rankings is a focal point. Todd praises Oregon's performance, noting their competitiveness against top-tier teams like Boise State:

"Boise State lost to Oregon by three points. In just one game. Anything can happen in one game." ([05:46])

He highlights key players and their impact:

"Their pass rush is legit. Like, I would have liked to see maybe Boise State move up a little bit." ([14:11])

Indiana's Respect in Rankings

Indiana's unexpected rise to number eight sparks a discussion on the committee's respect for their performance:

"They show a lot of respect for Indiana, which is interesting because it leaves open the possibility that Indiana, with a really close game against Ohio State, maybe they could still wind up getting in as an at-large." ([06:52])

Both hosts consider Indiana's potential to challenge higher-ranked teams, emphasizing their consistency:

"Indiana playing great ball. They're not winning. They're absolutely, like, they're lying and going every single week." ([03:02])

BYU's Placement and Big 12 Implications

BYU's position at number nine raises questions about the Big 12's representation in the playoffs. Todd criticizes the committee's approach:

"They have two wins against top 25 teams. This is not being shown a lot of respect." ([07:02])

He speculates on Big 12 limitations:

"The committee has no interest in more than one team being in the Big 12." ([08:23])

Pete contemplates BYU's deservedness despite initial underestimations:

"BYU has earned it. They deserve to be in." ([09:35])

SEC Dynamics and Team Performances

The SEC's dominance is a recurring theme, with both hosts dissecting the strengths and vulnerabilities of its teams. Todd expresses confidence in the SEC being the top conference:

"It's still the best conference in college football." ([17:20])

They discuss specific teams like Alabama, LSU, and Ole Miss, acknowledging their talent while noting inconsistencies:

"Ole Miss is fully capable. Ole Miss is one of the six or seven most talented teams in the country." ([21:40])

Big Ten Considerations

The Big Ten's representation, primarily through Ohio State and Oregon, is analyzed in terms of competitive depth:

"Oregon and Ohio State are the only two teams that could legitimately put up a fight." ([22:37])

They debate whether teams like Penn State and Indiana can maintain their rankings or challenge higher-ranked SEC teams.

ACC and Other Conferences

Discussions extend to the ACC, with a focus on Miami's potential and the implications of ACC championship outcomes:

"Don't sleep on the ACC championship game. Man, I could see SMU giving Miami everything they want and more." ([25:34])

Pete highlights the shifting power dynamics, suggesting the ACC is no longer a traditional power:

"It's a power two conference thing now. It's not a power four." ([27:43])

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4. Playoff Scenarios

The hosts explore various playoff scenarios, contemplating matchups that could arise based on the current rankings and potential game outcomes. Todd outlines a speculative bracket:

"Let's say Ohio State wins, BYU wins, Tennessee wins, Oregon wins... then all of a sudden, we could have the third matchup between Oregon, Ohio State." ([04:28])

They consider the potential for upsets and the impact of close games on playoff selections, emphasizing the unpredictability of the season.

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5. Notable Matchups and Upcoming Games

Key upcoming games are highlighted, with particular attention to high-stakes matchups that could influence playoff standings:

• Ohio State vs. Indiana: The potential nail-biter where Indiana could secure a spot if they perform exceptionally.
• Alabama vs. LSU: A crucial SEC showdown that could redefine the conference's playoff representation.
• Miami vs. SMU (ACC Championship): A critical game that could affect ACC's influence in the playoffs.

Pete and Todd discuss the strategic importance of these games, anticipating shifts in team rankings based on outcomes.

---

6. Conclusions and Predictions

As the episode wraps up, Todd expresses enthusiasm for the unfolding playoff race, emphasizing the competitive nature of the season:

"This is going to be awesome." ([31:50])

He also hints at future episode topics, including a deep dive into player analyses and scouting reports:

"Big Cam. War breakdown. A lot of time on him." ([32:38])

Pete and Todd conclude with optimistic remarks about the season's unpredictability, celebrating the dynamic spirit of college football:

"We're coming up Thursday. Get ready." ([32:38])

---

Key Takeaways

• Oregon's Leadership: Demonstrates strong performance deserving the No. 1 ranking.
• Indiana's Surprise Rise: Earns significant respect, potentially challenging higher-ranked teams.
• BYU and Big 12 Concerns: BYU's placement raises questions about the Big 12's playoff influence.
• SEC Dominance with Nuances: The SEC remains the premier conference but with notable vulnerabilities.
• Playoff Uncertainty: Numerous potential outcomes dependent on high-stakes matchups in upcoming weeks.
• ACC's Shifting Dynamics: The ACC's role in the playoffs is evolving, with teams like Miami under scrutiny.

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This episode provides listeners with a comprehensive analysis of the early CFP rankings, offering predictions and highlighting key games that will shape the remainder of the college football season. Through engaging dialogue and expert insight, Todd McShay and Pete Thamel deliver a nuanced perspective on the ever-changing landscape of college football playoffs.

Transcript

[Todd McShay]

The McShay show is presented by FanDuel. College Football Saturdays are packed with action and FanDuel is where you can score every game day. Let's face it, November is everything in college football. The playoff picture is starting to become more clear. This is the first year with the 12 team playoff and we have some critical matchups throughout this month. Why we Love fanduel There's so many markets like spreads over unders, national championship futures going to get a part of that and so much more. This app is safe, secure and easy to use. When you win, you'll get paid instantly. Visit FanDuel.com McShay to download America's number one sportsbook. The Ringer is committed to responsible gaming. Please visit rg-help.com to learn more about the resources and helplines available and listen to the end of the episode for additional details. Must be 21 and older and present in select states. Gambling problem. Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit RGH help.com this.

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[Todd McShay]

This is starting to feel real, doesn't it? M. I mean, yeah, I like this. I like this. Maybe it's like the draft guy in me. I don't know. It's something about seeing boards and rankings and just like looking at it for the first time, seeing Reese up there announcing the picks. I just.

[Pete Thamel]

It.

[Todd McShay]

It finally feels like it's tangible. Right.

[Pete Thamel]

It's so cool just to see the playoff bracket the first time ever. It's. It's in seeing some of these home games. We'll get into it. I'm just super excited that we're finally getting into it and starting to see how this is going to unfold.

[Todd McShay]

Yeah. Before we get into the minutia and start. And I know you're gonna. You're cynical, Steve. You're gonna have all your theories and you know you're gonna drag this show down. I know.

[Pete Thamel]

But come on.

[Todd McShay]

No, I'm Joking. Before we do that, though, like, let's look at some of these games, you know, because, like, that's looking at this and finally being able to say, okay, whoa, all right, like, 12. Boise State. We get that, like, Cinderella feel. Ohio State in the shoe, right?

[Pete Thamel]

Yeah.

[Todd McShay]

Indy, Indiana against Tennessee. Like, Indiana playing great ball. They're not winning. They're absolutely, like, they're lying and going every single week, right? And. And to look at Tennessee and say, like, Tennessee could be one of the three or four best teams in the country if. If em Aliava gets things going at quarterback and they figure some things out and continue to progress, or they could be a really vulnerable team playing in Nealon Stadium that first week against Indiana. That's fascinating to me. Then we got like, the. The blue bloods, Alabama going to Austin, Texas. Are you kidding me? Like, it just like, if Alabama gets in, that means they.

[Pete Thamel]

They've.

[Todd McShay]

They've won out, and that means that Jaylen Milro is playing well. And now you got. You got Sark going up against Debor in the first, you know, the first year in the postseason with Alabama. And then Notre Dame. Penn State's an intriguing matchup. We talked a lot on the. On the show earlier today. Like, the Penn State is. Is not at the level of. Of Georgia, and we saw Ohio State or Oregon, but Penn State, like, they can. They can hang around. They do a lot of things well. And Notre Dame is one of those teams that I just. I feel like they have not played their best ball necessarily yet. So that's fascinating to me. Two more things in this intriguing. Something I touched on earlier today and I was interested to see. And again, this will change. But if it played out like this, what did I say earlier on the show?

[Pete Thamel]

I said, I, you know, I'll stay.

[Todd McShay]

Yes. In that same bracket. Let's say Ohio State wins. The first one takes care of byu. Tennessee, let's say wins. We'll go with the chalk. Tennessee wins, Oregon wins. And now all of a sudden, we could have the third matchup between Oregon, Ohio State. That, I mean, that, to me, is fascinating. And then it's kind of like the. Like I said, the winner in that situation. It could be like the winner of the. The north and the west versus the south, you know, if Alabama or Texas or Miami or Georgia winds up coming out of that. That bottom bracket in the semifinal. So I don't know. I just look at that, and I. It's hard not to get fired up.

[Pete Thamel]

Yeah, it's great. I mean, you look at those. The Stadiums, those, that first round. Those stadiums you're talking about.

[Todd McShay]

How about Happy Valley? Like a night game, a white out, you know, with Notre Dame coming in. I don't know, I. It's ludicrous to get this excited in the first week of November, but I'm pretty fired up.

[Pete Thamel]

Yeah, it's the first time we're seeing it, man, and it's setting up exactly. I mean, how long have fans wanted a playoff and to have all these teams and who knows what's going to happen? You start looking. I can't wait to start digging in on the matchups and see, you know, does Boise State have a chance in this game? Maybe they do. You know, I thought they were a better team than people thought. That's a.

[Todd McShay]

Hey, by the way, boys, Boise State lost to Oregon by three points.

[Pete Thamel]

I feel shocked the world.

[Todd McShay]

Yeah.

[Pete Thamel]

In just one game. Anything can happen in one game. You know, Do I think Boise State's gonna go all the way? No, but one game, I mean, it's, it's exciting, see? And then it's going to shake up the whole thing. I, I just love it. It's going to be great.

[Todd McShay]

Talking to Thaml today, he's already like, oh, well, we got 12 team playoff for two years, then it's going to be 14, right. Who knows where we go, you know, like, it's just. Don't take it away though. All right, so. So let's get into kind of the nitty gritty. Just. I'll tell you two things that jumped out to me that I think meant something tonight. Okay. That could mean something because this, this truly is the first time we've seen the coaches poll, which is garbage. We've seen the AP poll, which is. Okay. It's okay. Not perfect. No, no. You know, no, this is the one that matters. This is the one that matters. And most importantly, it's the human beings utilizing the tools that they're going to continue to use through this process. And so what stands out to me, two things that stand out to me, this committee respects Indiana. They do.

[Pete Thamel]

Yeah.

[Todd McShay]

I mean, because if you look at strength of schedule for Indiana, seven. Okay. Indiana comes in at number, number eight in this ranking.

[Pete Thamel]

Yeah.

[Todd McShay]

And would be, would be seated at number nine. But they, they came in at eight at ranking. They had the strength of, strength of record at 7. And the reason it's strength of record is it's who they've played and also it's also like what they've done against their opponent, you know, and they've, they've controlled every single game.

[Pete Thamel]

Right.

[Todd McShay]

They're showing a lot of respect for Indiana, which is interesting because it leaves, in my opinion, at least we'll see how it plays out. It leaves open the possibility that Indiana, with, like, a really close game at. Against. Yeah. At Ohio State on November 23rd.

[Pete Thamel]

Right.

[Todd McShay]

That maybe. Maybe they could still wind up getting in as an at large. I don't know. So something to keep an eye on there. Okay. Byu on the flip side. No respect.

[Pete Thamel]

None.

[Todd McShay]

I mean, they don't be fooled by the four seed. The four. Yeah. They go to the conference champions, so that's going to be, you know, the SEC, the. The ACC, the Big Ten, and then the Big 12 would be BYU. But they came in at. At number nine. Their strength of record was four. They have two wins against top 25 teams. This is not being shown a lot of respect, and we'll get into the Big 12 and the implications on that later.

[Pete Thamel]

But. Right.

[Todd McShay]

In short, that tells me that the committee has no interest in more than one team being in. In the big. In from the Big 12. So, like, if Colorado makes this wonderful run that everyone's kind of hoping because of Coach prime and Shador and Travis Hunter in the Heisman race, if they make this big run and they're. They're able to get in the championship game and knock off a byu, if that's how it plays out, I think they're in and BYU's out. But a lot, A lot to play here. What. What stood out to you in terms of just purely the rankings, teams, a team maybe that was overly respected or disrespected.

[Pete Thamel]

So if I'm the committee, let's just play off that a little bit, because I hear what you're saying. BYU has earned it. They deserve to be in. Obviously, if they win their conference championship, it won't even matter. Let's just start playing it out. If you're the. If you're the committee, are you looking at and saying, all right, if BYU plays Tennessee tomorrow, who you got? If BYU plays Indiana tomorrow, who you got? And I think BYU's had a great year, but if I'm being honest with myself, they're right where they should be in terms of. If you're looking at matchups and how this might play out. You know, the other thing I'll say, and again, record matters.

[Todd McShay]

That would be. You know what that would be? Let's. Let's ask our folks at FanDuel. We had a really good conversation with.

[Pete Thamel]

Oh, that'd be great.

[Todd McShay]

Let's Talk to fans.

[Pete Thamel]

Love to hear that. Yeah.

[Todd McShay]

Or for Thursday's show. Now that we have these out. I right. Something we can, we can talk to our folks at FanDuel about. I want to get the, the odds that they have with BYU against some of those teams. BYU versus India. Like, what would that. What. What would the. Who would be the favorite and what would the number be? If they could come up with that, like, that would be a lot of fun to play through.

[Pete Thamel]

Yeah, it'd be great. And maybe I'm wrong. I'd love to see them come back and be like, no match. You're. You're crazy. That BYU would actually be favored.

[Todd McShay]

Yeah, I'm dying. I normally like, I would love to say absolutely not, but I think Tennessee would be favored over byu. I don't know who would be. I think Indiana. Just a guess. Indiana, slight favorite over byu.

[Pete Thamel]

Yep.

[Todd McShay]

What do you think?

[Pete Thamel]

That's where. That's where I'm at.

[Todd McShay]

Okay.

[Pete Thamel]

And I'm looking at. I don't mean to.

[Todd McShay]

So that. I guess that plays your point.

[Pete Thamel]

Listen, this is a BYU team that coming into the year. I mean, let's, let's give them some credit. I mean, to be. Not if you had said at the beginning of the year, the BYU fans, you guys are going to be in the playoff structure. You're going to. You're going to get a first round by. I mean, you take that at any time, right?

[Todd McShay]

Oh, hell yeah.

[Pete Thamel]

Dude.

[Todd McShay]

Dude. I like. So I think that they were. And we can ask the FanDuel folks this. I think they were dogs in like their first seven games.

[Pete Thamel]

Yeah, I would love. I would love. I would love their fan base to be pissed off because that's great. I want to be mad, but, you know, because, you know, obviously they're passionate about their team. But if we're being somewhat realistic here, not bad. Byu, like, let's kind of be happy about it. The other one, I'll tell you in again, there's, you know, a 90 Miami team. You know, you don't.

[Todd McShay]

You. You're not feeling Miami. Let's just get it on the table right now.

[Pete Thamel]

Listen, your pause. Let's just start doing it, though. Like, I love Cam Ward. I love watching him play. Xavier Restrepo is awesome. He is.

[Todd McShay]

So I'll wait for the butt.

[Pete Thamel]

Here's the butt. But right here we're doing the same thing. Texas. Miami, who you got? Penn State. Miami, who you got? Tennessee. Miami.

[Todd McShay]

Penn State.

[Pete Thamel]

Penn State.

[Todd McShay]

You got to sneak that in.

[Pete Thamel]

Penn State might be the team that's getting disrespected here, by the way, but go ahead.

[Todd McShay]

The hell are you talking about? Georgia should have lost. They should have lost by 21 on Saturday.

[Pete Thamel]

Yeah, I. Yeah. I mean, if you're looking at the final, though, and you're. And you're looking at that Ohio State team who is. Is ranked second according to the play, the. The. These rankings that just came out, they lost to that team by seven. Texas lost by. To Georgia by 15. And somehow. And by the way, Georgia's not playing well. I mean, you want to look at that that way, too, George. That Florida game is concerning. So I'm, you know, if. If I'm Penn State, I'm like, why? Texas lost to them by 15 and they're not playing that great. And we lost to an Ohio State team that took Oregon to the wire. Why are we behind Texas? Why are we behind Miami?

[Todd McShay]

All right. I mean, I. Miami fans are gonna hate me.

[Pete Thamel]

I like Miami. I just. I mean, I think seven would be great for Miami or six would be great for Miami, probably.

[Todd McShay]

They're nine and.

[Pete Thamel]

Oh, I know. And they almost lost to Cal and they almost lost Virginia Tech.

[Todd McShay]

Yeah.

[Pete Thamel]

What's their biggest game? Florida. That. I mean, that Florida team was off to a tough start. And then Louisville, who. And that was a tight game.

[Todd McShay]

Louisville. Louisville just pounded Clemson.

[Pete Thamel]

But, yeah, don't get me started on Clemson now.

[Todd McShay]

Soft nine. You said it early on.

[Pete Thamel]

They were a hard 23.

[Todd McShay]

They are a hard 23.

[Pete Thamel]

I feel like.

[Todd McShay]

I feel like we finally got them slotted correctly. Right. For your. For your. By your standards. Okay. All right. You came in hot tonight, man. I like this.

[Pete Thamel]

Let's have some fun with it. Right? Like, I mean, I get it. I understand why they did what they did. They played it safe. And I'm. And I. I don't think that that's necessarily the wrong move at this point in the process, but, you know, it would have been interesting. I would have loved to have seen. And I don't, you know, I don't necessarily believe this, but if you put Boise State at like a 10 or 9, that'd be great to have seen. It made it even closer because I think Boise State's getting, You know, their schedule is obviously going to make it tough for them, but they. That Oregon game, man, does that count for. That's got to count for something, right? I mean, and they have one of the most talented players in the country, their pass rush in. In the running back, Ashton Jente. Their pass rush is legit. Like, I Would have liked to see maybe Boise State move up a little bit. But I.

[Todd McShay]

In my rankings this morning, that counted for. I had Boise. I had boys to State at nine.

[Pete Thamel]

Yeah.

[Todd McShay]

There we go.

[Pete Thamel]

Let's go.

[Todd McShay]

Yeah, I. I mean, it doesn't matter because if. If they. They gotta win out, win the. Win the conference championship and so like it. They're either in or they're out. There's no, like, in between. There's.

[Pete Thamel]

Right.

[Todd McShay]

No large right.

[Pete Thamel]

Like, please do not let them lose.

[Todd McShay]

Yeah. And here's the thing, too. If it's not. If it's not Boise State, who is it?

[Pete Thamel]

Right.

[Todd McShay]

You know what I mean?

[Pete Thamel]

Like, you and lb. I don't know.

[Todd McShay]

I think college. I think college football should be collectively rooting for Boise State to. To run this thing out. Yeah. I mean, it's truly.

[Pete Thamel]

Yeah.

[Todd McShay]

Because not like, you look at that matchup, right? Boise State 12 versus Ohio State, three. Right. Right up at the top, top left of this graphic. There's something intriguing about. Maybe it's the history.

[Pete Thamel]

Maybe it's the Giant killers. Yeah. Yeah.

[Todd McShay]

Maybe it's the Oklahoma win and, you know, the upset. Maybe it's the Statue of Liberty. Like, I don't know what it is, but I look at that and it's not gross. No, it's not. It's not like a. Like a throwout game. Like. All right, well, the other three games are good, so it'll be a first. First. Good first round.

[Pete Thamel]

If we ask Fanduel, they might be like, yeah, that's. It could be gross.

[Todd McShay]

No, I think Fanduel would tell us. It's like, what do you think? Guess it. Guess it. We'll ask them, too. Guess it right now.

[Pete Thamel]

10.

[Todd McShay]

I'm going 12 and a half. Yeah.

[Pete Thamel]

I'll see. Yeah.

[Todd McShay]

15.

[Pete Thamel]

Okay. That's pretty big for a playoff game. It is. It is. But I still look at that and.

[Todd McShay]

I'm like, It's like a 12. 5 in the. In the. In the March madness. It's like there's.

[Pete Thamel]

Yeah.

[Todd McShay]

There's a shot like, this happens more than you think. I don't know. Like, there's something about Boise State that. That gives me hope. And there's some. Plus, you've got. You got a Heisman finalist, a national gentee who's. Speaking of what we do, like, NFL scouts, to be able to see, like, the linebackers we talked about today, that defensive front, like, you know, that's a. And now it was Caleb Downs versus Ginty, one on one.

[Pete Thamel]

Like, think about the running back talent in that Game. You get that. You get Travion Henderson, Ashton Gentee. I mean just. Yeah, studs everywhere.

[Todd McShay]

All right, we're getting carried away. But. But I think the point is there that college football as a whole should be polling for Boise State to be. To be that, you know, the, the other. From the non. Power four. Okay, a couple other directions I want to go with this thing. Pete Thammel made a really good point right. On our show earlier today that it. So much of this is driven by the SEC and Big Ten and for. And understandably. Right. Can't. Right. Can't complain about that. We'll get to ACC and circle back on Big 12 in a second. But the SEC. I want to look at this. I guess as we were going, you know, the Reese came out and it was. Started with 25 and worked his way up. And at this point, like every. I don't know, maybe it's just me, but you kind of get clouded. It's like you got. Yeah, A M's got two losses now. LSU's got two losses.

[Pete Thamel]

Yeah.

[Todd McShay]

Ole Miss has got two less. And you kind of. You kind of push them out of the, you know, you like, push them aside mentally and you just start focusing on. On the other SEC teams. Right. Like we're all focused on. On the Georges and the Texases and Alabama and you know, so you, you kind of get focused in Tennessee, but then you take a step back and you're like this, this is either going to be like cannibalism or it's gonna be a wild, fun ride at the end. Because my opinion, My opinion is this. It's still the best conference in, in college football. And while. While the Big Ten is. Is great because Oregon right there is number one, Ohio State, two. But. But the drop off is severe, in my opinion. I don't think Penn State's at the class. And maybe we'll. I mean, we're. We're gonna.

[Pete Thamel]

We'll ask.

[Todd McShay]

Fanduel's gonna stop sponsoring us because we're gonna come in with 97 requests. But like Indiana and Penn State, how many. How many. How many times would those teams be and how many games would those teams be favored? Like when you get down to LSU and A and M and Alabama and Ole Miss, like, you know what I mean?

[Pete Thamel]

Carolina, like, I mean, that's a team that.

[Todd McShay]

You know what I mean? So like.

[Pete Thamel]

Yeah.

[Todd McShay]

So here. Here I'm gonna, I'm gonna plant my flag today. I want a minimum of five SEC teams in, but I know I'm probably not Going to get that. I demand a minimum of four SEC teams. Demand it, Steve.

[Pete Thamel]

I love it.

[Todd McShay]

How can you. You get four here? And I'm looking at A and M and saying, well, 10 days ago, shit, five days ago, we were like, you know, A and M is a top 10 team. Yeah, LSU for the first half of that A and M game, we're like, who? Nussmeyer. Top five pick. LSU's role and like, you know.

[Pete Thamel]

Right.

[Todd McShay]

So, like, just because they have to play each other and they're. And there's. All these teams are so good, I don't think we should have to punish them for it. So here's point on all this.

[Pete Thamel]

Is the goal still to get the best teams in? I mean, we still. Yes, that's what we're doing.

[Todd McShay]

Yes. So that.

[Pete Thamel]

I understand. Record. I understand. Try playing that schedule. Try. And again, no offense to byu. Just had. Who has had a great year, and no offense to Miami, but go. Go play that schedule.

[Todd McShay]

My favorite. My favorite thing in the college football meetings, we'd have these meetings, very espn every summer, and inevitably we would get down to like, the, you know, the BCS or the, you know, the College Football Playoff. And. And it would always. It would start off like, so friendly. And whoever was representing the BCS or whoever was representing the College Football Playoff, like these nice men who are working hard and trying to pull these committees together and do the right thing, inevitably, Herb street would always sit in the back right corner of the conference room. Right? Yeah. Huge conference room. Everyone in college football, you know, From Fowler to McDonough to Steve Levy to, you know, Pollock and, and. And Herbie and DEZ and everyone. And. And Herbie's like, the one thing about Herbie that I love is. What's the phrase like with the sophic. He. I can't think of it right now. It's too late at night. But. But basically, he'd almost be whispering into his mic. You know, I'm just. I'm just wondering. I appreciate what you're saying, but isn't it the goal to get the best four teams in?

[Pete Thamel]

Right.

[Todd McShay]

And so, you know, and like. And it would start like that.

[Pete Thamel]

The whole Florida State thing, it would.

[Todd McShay]

Escalate and then everyone would start jumping in. It would become a fight between. Between the, you know, the chairman and 75 college football analysts who are, like, arguing about all the different. Different aspects of it. But ultimately, yes, it's about the 12 best teams. And my point in all this mentioned, I think, is what you're alluding to, like, it's hard to look at this thing and say that if A M goes on a run or if LSU wins out or if old like Ole Miss dropped 61 the other day. Yeah, they were, you know, whether it's like the and I and the transfer portal guys and just not like, not having, like the cohesiveness and all that as a team, but Ole Miss is fully capable. Ole Miss is one of the six or seven most talented teams in the country.

[Pete Thamel]

Do not sleep on Ole Miss. Right. They got Georgia.

[Todd McShay]

Like, this thing could get turned upside down. By the way, Georgia plays A M, you know what I mean? Like, lsu, Alabama this week, Georgia Ole Miss this week. Then Georgia plays Tennessee.

[Pete Thamel]

Georgia better get that figured out quick.

[Todd McShay]

Texas A. Do you know what I'm saying? So, like, yeah, what looks so simple? This is not Georgia from the last couple of years. They're vulnerable. Okay. Tennessee could. Could be one of the four elite in. In the country or they could. They could really, like, lay an egg and just not play. So I'm fascinated to see how this SEC plays out.

[Pete Thamel]

Yeah. Yeah. It's going to be super. And let's keep it in perspective because I don't want people to think we're talking about both. Out of both sides of our mouth when we say it's not a great year for Georgia. Georgia runs away with the acc. I mean, it's still. It's not a great.

[Todd McShay]

Right.

[Pete Thamel]

It's not a great year for Georgia. But that is how good the SEC is. That is how.

[Todd McShay]

Thank you.

[Pete Thamel]

How good they are. So we're not saying, oh, you guys just said that the SEC is so good, but Georgia's having a down year.

[Todd McShay]

Runs. Those things can be 12 runs away with the ACC and is. And you know, Oregon, Ohio State are the only two teams I think that could. Could legitimately put up a fight. You know, like those. They're on the. On the same level as Georgia. Oregon, I think, has played at a slightly higher level. Ohio State is right there with Georgia. But, like, yeah, yeah, I just imagine.

[Pete Thamel]

I just imagine Signetti in his office watching this clip, just getting more fired up about how he's going to figure out how to beat Ohio State and make this, like, the most historic year for Indiana ever. But, I mean, you just. I don't. I don't look at that roster, and as impressive as they've been, I just don't look at that roster and say, no, that they could compete with the teams that we're talking about right now. I think they've done an amazing Job.

[Todd McShay]

Well, let's. Okay. But I just want to say something real quickly. It's okay. It's November. November 5th. It's Tuesday. People are probably going to watch this on Wednesday the 6th. So what. What's the. What are the games? The games are on like the. I don't know, the ninth. I don't have the calendar, whatever it is. Come Sunday, Alabama. Alabama loses at. In Baton Rouge. LSU gets that win. Like LSU is an afterthought right now. Right. That's my. Comes out, starts slinging it. Right. And you know he can. Nussmeyer comes out and starts slinging it against Alabama in Baton Rouge. The crowd going nuts. Prime time game, game day was there. All of a sudden this two loss team that's like tucked away at 15 is the talk of college football rise. Right.

[Pete Thamel]

Yeah, just.

[Todd McShay]

Just file that away. That game's massive. Absolutely massive. All right, sorry. Now you were talking about Indiana. Let's get to the Big Ten.

[Pete Thamel]

Yeah, well, you. I was just, I was backing up your point of saying it's Ohio State and it's. What's Oregon and then it's Ohio State and those are the teams that you trust against that sec. Just slate that. The. Just all of that talent at the top of the sec. And as much as I like Indiana and I mean I. It's such a good story. Prove me wrong. I hope they proved me wrong. I want Indiana to win out. I mean that would be the. It would be the best story. Actually. I don't want to say that because I want to see that Ohio State, Oregon again. But I think it's a great story what Indiana has done, but I just don't think they're on that level of a team that you're. You think is going to be Georgia.

[Todd McShay]

The, the beauty is unlike Boise State, although we shouldn't say that because Boise State hung tough with. With Oregon. But unlike maybe Miami, unlike byu. We're going to find out.

[Pete Thamel]

Yeah.

[Todd McShay]

And we're going to find out on. On November 23rd.

[Pete Thamel]

Yeah, listen, I.

[Todd McShay]

We're going to find out.

[Pete Thamel]

We will. I will say this too. Don't sleep on that ACC championship game. Man, I could see SMU giving Miami everything they want and more. That. That, that's a game that. What happens if Miami loses in the ACC championship? Now what? Now you got to get two teams from the ACC in and that, that, that, that you want to talk about throwing a wrench in it.

[Todd McShay]

Well, here's what's really. You ready? I don't seriously. Miami. Miami wins. Impressively. Down the stretch against. Not a whole lot.

[Pete Thamel]

Right.

[Todd McShay]

It's knocked off by smu. A one loss SMU team that's been really good and really impressive all year.

[Pete Thamel]

Yeah.

[Todd McShay]

So now you've got like probably at that point, Miami's undefeated. Like they could be two or three. Right. Going in, going into, going into the championship week. Yeah, they could be two or three in the country. Right, Right. Okay. Because we're talking about Georgia. Like Georgia's got a couple tough games like Ohio State, they could be two or three in the country. Miami, they get knocked off. So are they going to drop to 13?

[Pete Thamel]

Their only loss. Their only loss would be the team that's 13 now. I mean could you, could you justify.

[Todd McShay]

So, no. So, so follow this, follow this train now. Right now Indiana loses by a point at Ohio State and kicks everyone else's ass, which it's done to this point.

[Pete Thamel]

Right.

[Todd McShay]

How do you keep Indiana out? How do you keep Miami? And remember Indiana got respect today. This committee respects Indiana. They've got them at number eight.

[Pete Thamel]

Yep.

[Todd McShay]

Right. They've got him at number eight. And here you see the number nine seed. So Indiana loses that one game and they get, remember then Ohio State and Oregon are playing in the by a point battle, like epic battle back and forth. It's just, it's interesting because now, now all my complaints, planting the flag with minimum four teams would like to see five from the sec.

[Pete Thamel]

Right. That gets demolished pretty quickly unless Notre Dame is out.

[Todd McShay]

Good point.

[Pete Thamel]

So now is, you know, Notre Dame's sitting there and then who. Ah, man, that is a, that is not ideal for that, for that to break that way. And no offense, SMU is a great team. Is a great team. But again you're, it's like Pete made this Pete demo made the point this morning. It's a, it's a power two conference thing now. It's not a power four. It's not a power five. It's power two. It's SEC in the Big Ten. And you want to stack those teams in this tournament.

[Todd McShay]

Notre Dame has one in eight for Florida State this Saturday. Virginia, they've got a ranked army and then USC just like they didn't. They didn't hold up their end of the bargain. It's end of the bargain.

[Pete Thamel]

Right?

[Todd McShay]

So like that, that was supposed to.

[Pete Thamel]

Have a win over Texas A M, a loss over Northern Illinois.

[Todd McShay]

They've got the worst loss of any team in the picture. And by a lot they, they got out, gained by 100. What was 102 yards in that Game.

[Pete Thamel]

Yep. And.

[Todd McShay]

And they beat A M and A M. That looked like a great win just the other day. Now it looks like a really good win.

[Pete Thamel]

Yeah.

[Todd McShay]

But. Yeah, no, no. Notre Dame's interesting. They. Obviously, there's no room for error, but I also don't see any error coming up unless USC with this new quarterback that Pete Damage.

[Pete Thamel]

A M fades. If Texas A and M fades and that win looks weaker and weaker and Notre Dame doesn't. Doesn't handle teams. You know, let's say Notre Dame goes and wins by seven, wins by four.

[Todd McShay]

Notre Dame wins out. They're in. Notre Dame wins out. They're in. Don't. Yeah, I'll. I'll save you the. The drama.

[Pete Thamel]

This is. This is what's great about it. What a rabbit hole. You can. I mean, you can. My head was spinning thinking about all the. I was like, how many of these, like, possibilities or scenarios are we going to get into? And I started to, like, try to prep a little bit. I was like, I got to stop. This is. It's like conspiracy level stuff. How far you can go with it.

[Todd McShay]

Indiana goes and kicks Michigan's ass, loses by one in a brawl. Ohio State and then swipes Purdue. Is it enough to get in? That's.

[Pete Thamel]

Yeah.

[Todd McShay]

We haven't even talked about Ohio State losing the second game to Indiana.

[Pete Thamel]

You can't. I. Even if. Okay, so if they lose to an undefeated Indiana team. Right. And they don't go to the. They still have to be in. I think.

[Todd McShay]

Yeah, they'd have. Because they're one of the best. Two losses against teams that are combined 240 going into champions week.

[Pete Thamel]

Yeah, exactly. They still have to be, in my opinion.

[Todd McShay]

This is fun, man. Throw up that graphic one more time, please. I'm getting bossy.

[Pete Thamel]

How about.

[Todd McShay]

I'm just. I'm looking at this. Texas, Miami, Cam Ward, Quinn Ewers. If Texas were to win that first one.

[Pete Thamel]

Oh, yeah.

[Todd McShay]

Yeah. Oregon, Oregon, Tennessee. I'd love to see that game. That defensive line may be the most equipped in the country to mess around with Dylan Gabriel and the. And his buds. You know what I mean?

[Pete Thamel]

Yeah. Yeah. Oh, my. Oh, my goodness. Yeah. That's a fun team, man. That's just a fun team. You never, like, you want them to show up, you want them to play well, but the talent, the potential is so high.

[Todd McShay]

And then this. I just can't get out of my head. The semifinal matchup of Ohio State. Oregon. Third. Third. Go around. It wouldn't play out this way because. Because then Oregon would have won twice for this to happen. But if you just flip flopped it in. Ohio State won in the Big Ten championship. Now it's one and one. It's the death match, round three. And then like, pick your poison. You want Alabama versus Georgia. You want Texas versus Georgia.

[Pete Thamel]

Shoot.

[Todd McShay]

You want Miami versus Geor. Like, have some fun with if Miami's still rolling at that point. This is going to be awesome. All right.

[Pete Thamel]

Awesome.

[Todd McShay]

Yeah, I had fun. I don't even want it to end. But yeah, bud, this is great. We're coming up Thursday. Fanduel, get ready. We apologize. We're new on the scene. Just week three of our show. We've. We've gone easy, we've done our reads. We've done all the right things. We're about to get a little crazy with this and I'm excited. And yeah, I'm looking forward to Thursday too. Big Cam. War breakdown. A lot of time on him. We've got our, you know, our. That's my guys. That we do every single week on Thursdays. We've got where the scouts are going to be this week. I've got a sneaking suspicion that Baton Rouge is going to be a big focus there. And I just want to show you, for anyone who's watching on, on. On this. I sent a little text to my buddy down in Baton Rouge. Can you pro. Yeah. You can read it?

[Pete Thamel]

Yeah. Yeah.

[Todd McShay]

Look at. I was just. Hey, what. How would you tell me what you would do to design your weekend? You get friends coming into town. Look at. We got a lot of fun. I got a whole weekend planned in Baton Rouge. You know what? We may have to just fire up the Mensch jet, get down there, hang out. Let's go.

[Pete Thamel]

Willow.

[Todd McShay]

Stanford, Steve. It's literally the one weekend in college football I get jealous of that. That's. That's my weekend down there, so. All right. Been a blast. Get that awesome wheels up in the Mensch Jet. Let's talk to Fanduel about that. All right, we'll see you soon.

[Pete Thamel]

Oh, my gosh. See you.